The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3/4 Ton AD Questions

I've been thinking lately that perhaps I may end up with a 3/4 ton truck. When I can afford one, that is. I've read about swapping the differential unit for a later model one ('67-'72?) but it seems they all come with 4:11, etc. Can you swap a numerically lower gearset into one of these? I think a 3:55 would work better on the highway behind a smallblock and auto overdrive.

The other question concerns the rear springs. Do the 3/4 tons ride alot stiffer unloaded than a 1/2 ton? what options would be available from a low-buck yet safe standpoint to upgrade to different (softer) springs to calm down the unloaded truck jumpiness?

Thanks for any and all replies.

Regards,
Wannabe

The 3/4 ton is a rough riding s.o.b. for sure. Used to be a guy here who would make a 1/2 ton out of the 3/4 putting in ifs and a nova or camaro rear with lighter springs. I haven't looked into the spring issue, my plans are to be able to haul loads with mine. On the differential you might look at the late model 14 bolt full floater. There are a lot with 3.73 gears, I was told it also comes in 3.42. I never got back to checking on widths, but you should be able to use a narrow housing with 4x4 wheels, which have a deep setback and still fit in the wheel well. If you go with the 67-72 the best you will find is going to be 4.10 without a lot of searching. The best they came with was 3.73, which would be acceptable with the 700r4.

Now, I ain't going to tell anyone what they should do to their own truck. But, if you don't like the ride of a larger old truck, WHY BUY IT???

I've got a 53 3604. It rides stiff and slow, but man, can that thing haul sh*t. If I want a smooth, soft, faster ride, I drive my wife's 1987 Dodge Dakota.

Jeff - You're right on hauling. I've hauled several 2 ton loads with mine, rear springs were just barely on the overloads. I was far more concerned with bending the frame and being able to stop than anything else.

I don't believe you can make a silk purse out of sow's ear. I last drove a 50 3600 in 1971, so my memory is a bit dated, but all old trucks are kinda like a steerable big 'ol wagon. I'm sure that decent shocks, radial tires, perhaps removing a leaf will help some, but simply not comparable to a modern vehicle.

Actually, Dave, Arthur D. Little, Inc. sorta made a "silk" purse out of a sow's ear in the 1920s.
Report "On the Making of Silk Purses from Sows\' Ears," 1921

Thanks, all, for the thoughtful (and humorous) replies. The laughter is AS IMPORTANT a part of The 'Bolt as the info, IMHO . Now, another quick one. Are the 3/4 ton AD rearends any WIDER than the 1/2 ton? Looks to me like they just use a longer bed, but the same width rear fenders. I know that the springs are outboard of the frame, I'm wondering if the 10 bolt posi T/A rearend (1979 or thereabouts)I've got squirrelled away might work? :confused: Who knows, maybe I'll end up with a 1/2 tonner anyway, just curious and keeping an open mind to all possibilities. Thanks again, everybody.

Regards,
Wannabe

Buy what you like best and what will be the most use. Not because it is a few hundred dollars cheaper. There are still plenty of half ton deals out there.

Locally (Cali) I know of a perfect 51 with a blown engine for $1,000 Many times you can pick up a full pressure 235 for free and you are driving a truck.

Oh wait, I forgot you wanted a rod. Never mind, I guess it will be a bit longer.

I have ribbed you before. Building a custom truck on a small budget is nearly impossible and takes years to complete. I bought my truck to drive it NOW.

Wanna, go for the 3/4 ton, a long bed is cool . Sell the front axle, buy a good dropped tube axle and the all the parts to make it work from swap meets and new. Give away that nasty rear axle ,install a rear axle of your choise, Camaro, later C-10, whatever.Notice the rear springs sit outboard of the axle on a 3/4 ton cause the frame is narrower than a half ton.Makes it easier to lower the truck and the rear springs are a little wider so you can use less leaves.So now you have a classic rod that will always be in style.

Thank you, Tony, I wasn't aware that the frame was narrower under a 3/4. Looks like that ol' T/A rearend might just work.

I've heard that the 1/2 ton front axle will swap into a 3/4 as well...and the aftermarket seems to list only ONE part number for replacement front springs between the two.

I guess the next question is "how do you determine which leaves to remove?" Is it every other one? Or do you just pull a couple from each spring? Trial and error, I guess.

Tony M, I've observed that the bigger trucks seem to survive better up here and are more frequently still available (likely cheaper, more folks want 1/2 tons). As for the 6 banger, I DO know where I could pick up my choice of two runners, a '59 235, or a '61 261-both in BIG GUY trucks, still running well, according to the owner. I could likely get 'em cheap, too. I could likely pick up a running 305 v-8 and auto overdrive in a running car even cheaper though...and I've got previous smallblock experience. Which way will da Wannabe go? He's gotta get a truck first-stay tuned...

Regards,
Wannabe

Wannabe, I love my 3/4T. With the 16 in. rims and 235-85-16 tires it's taller than most trucks. You can shorten the frame and make a wooden flatbed. If you haven't seen mine, checkout the above homepage.

Wally, I've visited you page before...the talk about cooking pans used on vehicles intrigued me! I really like a couple of things about your truck, the chrome and stainless trim, the flatbed, even the yellow/black two tone. I know that it ain't correct on AD's, but with the right colours, it just POPS! Sounds to me that you truly enjoy that old truck and "that's a good thing." Keep it up.

Regards,
Wannabe